Authorities should impose restrictions on acacia cultivation as, in excess, the plants could pose a threat to fertile lands, Polpithigama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman L.R. Ranjith Wijenayake said.
He was speaking at a press conference held at the pradeshiya sabha, recently.
Highlighting that the trees could pose a threat to surrounding habitats, Wijenayake said that the acacia trees in the Polpithigama and Herathgama areas have led to the infertility of lands. He added that other crops cannot be cultivated due to this issue.
The pradeshiya sabha chairman said that the nectar in the flowers these plants bear are poisonous to insects such as bees and wasps. When inquired, Kurunegala District Wildlife Conservation Officer Lalith Gamage said that the cultivation of acacia plants has been discontinued.
He added that wildlife officials are currently assessing the probable threats these plants pose to the environment and its wildlife.